Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), interacted with participants of ‘Hilal Talks’ at the Army Auditorium today. Spanning interactive sessions and group discussions on a range of international, regional and national issues, Hilal Talks are intended to act as a forum for perspective sharing among members of Pakistan’s academic community.
As an acknowledgment of the critical role that academia plays in national progress, through innovation, research and in influencing perceptions, the forum brought together around 1800 members of the academic community, comprising Vice Chancellors, Heads of Departments, senior faculty members, principals and students from institutions across Pakistan; majority of whom participated in the Talks through virtual mediums. Special emphasis was on participation from southern districts in Balochistan, AJK and GB.
While addressing the participants, the COAS encouraged the academia to play proactive role in promoting national narrative of harmony, stability, peace and progress. Emphasizing the need for critical thinking and imperatives of knowledge-driven economies, the COAS stated that our academic institutions must serve as centers for critical thinking, reasoning and organic innovative solutions for Pakistan’s progress.
The COAS acknowledged the challenges being faced by higher education including in the field of research, and reiterated Army’s commitment in supporting Government’s initiatives to improve academic environment and promote innovative research.
After a candid Q&A session, participants appreciated the institution of ‘Hilal Talks’ and expressed confidence that such initiatives would significantly contribute in fostering an atmosphere for sharing ideas, open up avenues for research and innovation, and gradually strengthen national cohesion through sustained interaction.
Forum concluded with a shared commitment to work together towards a more secure and prosperous Pakistan.
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